Video Description

The Schizophrenic - part 1. This documentary is about Steve Peabody, a man who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. He is my uncle. He is the kindest and coolest uncle ever.

Quotes

"You might feel so embarrassed and worried what people might think or say, but the most important thing is to talk"

Bethany

"In 2003 I went to Everest for the first time and trekked to base camp. It was symbolic of my own journey with schizophrenia and conquering my own mountains."

Stuart

"I hadn't had anything to do with street drugs for about 4 years now and was warned that involvement with them or alcohol would cause a worsening of the symptoms."

Garry

"I had gradual onset schizophrenia but a bad LSD trip is what triggered my psychosis. I had smoked pot daily for my last two years of high school, drank every weekend and occasionally took acid."

Nick

"I have to scrutinize my every thought, every attitude, every emotion, everything, and ask, ‘Is this real?’"

Yeon Kim

"It‘s so weird waking up and not really knowing where I am, seeing things that aren’t really there, and hearing things that are in my head but aren’t in front of me or connected to electronic."

Karin

"I fear sleep because my dreams have become too lucid and it becomes hard to know what reality is. Only slowly I remembered the strange things. And I realized that all was fantasy."

Joey

"I was working on my computer and then I heard someone talking to me. She whispered, "Hey... how's it going tonight?" And she hasn't left since."

Anonymous

"My doctor encourages me to get a part time job. I enjoy cooking so I am thinking about getting a job as a cook."

Jason

"I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in my early twenties. I have a university degree, I am self employed as a writer, and artist and engaged to a girl I met at uni. I live independently."

David

"There can be life after schizophrenia: in my own case, nearly thirty years of a very satisfying and rewarding, though not always easy, existence."

Christine

"I was so tired and didn't feel I had much fight left in me, but I knew I had to keep going."

Sophie

"Truth be, many days the only face to face I have with anyone is the checkout clerk, but even that is of value to me."

Jay

"I dont wanna be popular would just love to be able to interact socially and have a good friend or two."

Anonymous

"I continued with my exercise and voluntary work and the weight just came off so quick... it was unbelievable; I looked and felt great. I was no longer sedated and full of hope! I was ALIVE again and I thought that was it."

David

"All is NOT lost. Hope and survival live within your strength to follow the one path that might work for you!"

Tony

"I had just received my college degree in English when I was diagnosed with schizophrenia eighteen years ago. For a long time, I couldn’t concentrate enough to read. But with my new medication, I can read again. I play the viola and love the Bach cello sui"

Elizabeth

"Others believe that schizophrenics never recover from their illness—that they remain deluded for the rest of their life. How untrue. The recovery rates are getting better all the time."

Zack

"What disappoints us a little is that insecurity toward our son, that we almost have to invite them to get in contact, that we have to say: Why don’t you give him a call some time? …And then we hear ‘What should we talk about with him, which questions shal"

Anna

"I had been diagnosed with schizophrenia when I learned that I was pregnant. When my mother told our neighbors that I was pregnant, they asked: ‘When is the abortion going to take place?’ That is stigma, a big stigma. My daughter is now six years old."

Mary

"My illness has been abated, I am productive again, and I plan on having a normal existence for the rest of my life."

Kurt

"I kept hearing the neighbours banging on the walls trying to play on my nerves (or so I thought). My response was to run not just out of the house, but to get as far away as possible"

Mark

"Nobody takes you aside at school and says, "Look you might get a mental illness!""

Mark

"My mom told me she had thought something was wrong with me when I was in high school but she didn't know what it was"

Nick

"I DID NOT have any religious delusions, I did not have delusions about aliens, the FBI, the CIA, or about cameras following me or people plotting against me, or microchips planted in me"

Nick

"I was afraid I would go stark, screaming mad and lose control and not be aware of anything around me"

Nick

"My mind has been both my best friend and my worst enemy."

Elyn

"Creative people, like those with psychotic illnesses, tend to see the world differently to most. It's like looking at a shattered mirror."

Mark

"My greatest fear is this brain of mine….The worst thing imaginable is to be terrified of one’s own mind, the very matter that controls all that we are and all that we do and feel."

M. Torrey

"The most of people would want a friend to tell them if they were diagnosed with schizophrenia, but only a few persons say they would tell friends if they themselves were diagnosed."

Marlena

"You may learn something about yourself as you learn about a family member's mental disorder."

Anonymous

"Don't forget your sense of humor!"

Ian

"I think that mental illnesses as Schizophrenia, are a part of the varied fabric of life."

Bill

"Recognizing that a person has different capabilities than you, should not mean that you expect nothing of them."

Marilyn

"It is as hard for the individual to accept the disorder as it is for other family members."

Tips & Hints

Spot the signs of an acute schizophrenic episode

Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your app...

Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your appetite, feeling anxious or stressed or having disturbed sleep. You may also notice some of the milder symptoms developing, such as feeling suspicious or fearful, worrying about people’s motives, hearing voices quietly or occasionally, or finding it difficult to concentrate. You might wish to ask someone you trust to tell you if they notice your behaviour changing.
Recognising the initial signs of an acute schizophrenic episode can be very useful. It may be possible to prevent a full-blown schizophrenic episode through the use of antipsychotic medicines and extra support.

Avoid drugs and alcohol

While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse ...

While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse in the long run. Alcohol can cause depression and psychosis, while illegal drugs may make your schizophrenia worse.
Drugs and alcohol can also react badly with antipsychotic medicines. If you are currently using drugs or alcohol and you are finding it hard to stop, ask your care coordinator or GP for help.

Take your medication

It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can ...

It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can help prevent relapses. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication you are taking or side effects, talk to your GP or care coordinator.

Have regular reviews

As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team mea...

As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team means that you can easily discuss your symptoms or concerns. The more the team knows, the more it can help you.

Self-care

Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from ...

Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from the people involved in your care. Self-care includes the things you do each day to stay fit, maintain good physical and mental health, prevent illness or accidents, and effectively deal with minor ailments and long-term conditions. People living with long-term conditions can benefit enormously if they have support for self-care. They can live longer, have less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue, have a better quality of life and are more active and independent.

Don’t neglect your physical health

Even though you may be visiting your doctor to get over an addiction or mental illness, don’t forget that your physical health is ver...

Even though you may be visiting your doctor to get over an addiction or mental illness, don’t forget that your physical health is very important too. So remember: do some exercise, control your weight, establish healthy eating habits, have your blood pressure checked…

Recognise the signs

Learn to recognise the signs that you are getting unwell – these can include basic things like such as going off your food, feeling a...

Learn to recognise the signs that you are getting unwell – these can include basic things like such as going off your food, feeling anxious or sleeping badly. Someone you trust may be able to warn you if they see you becoming unwell.

Medication

Taking medication can be a hassle for most persons – even when it is just for a few days. One of the hardest aspects of schizophrenia...

Taking medication can be a hassle for most persons – even when it is just for a few days. One of the hardest aspects of schizophrenia treatment is sustaining the regime of medication.However, sticking with the medication is the best way to control the condition, and cope with living with schizophrenia.

Avoid stress and other environmental triggers

Stress and trauma are considered possible causes of schizophrenia. In any event, stress and unpleasant situations can serve as triggers...

Stress and trauma are considered possible causes of schizophrenia. In any event, stress and unpleasant situations can serve as triggers for those living with schizophrenia, so it is important to maintain a mentally and physically healthy environment to prevent relapses.

Take therapy

There is an assortment of therapies from which schizophrenics can choose. Therapy and the support of family and peers are complementary...

There is an assortment of therapies from which schizophrenics can choose. Therapy and the support of family and peers are complementary to the prescribed drugs. That is what would help those living with schizophrenia move beyond coping with their condition, and live a successful life.

Establish routines

For some of the persons living with schizophrenia, taking care of themselves can be a problem. It is especially important for those who...

For some of the persons living with schizophrenia, taking care of themselves can be a problem. It is especially important for those who suffer catatonic symptoms to establish daily routines to follow. This can help them overcome the difficulty of coping with regular tasks through regular practice and inculcation of good habits.

Communicate with family and peers

For a schizophrenic, isolation might easily lead to a relapse. Given the importance of proper support, it is advisable that schizophren...

For a schizophrenic, isolation might easily lead to a relapse. Given the importance of proper support, it is advisable that schizophrenics do not live by themselves. Finding support from loved ones can be a major boost to schizophrenics.

Looking after yourself

Recent studies have looked at the possible advantages of improved nutrition for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Some studies have s...

Recent studies have looked at the possible advantages of improved nutrition for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Some studies have suggested there are benefits in EPA-rich fish oils that can be found in sardines, pilchards and supplements.

Talking treatments

Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), can help to manage and treat schizophrenia...

Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), can help to manage and treat schizophrenia. Talking treatments help you to identify the things you have issues with, explore them and discuss strategies or solutions.

Manage stress

Stress can trigger psychosis and make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, so keeping it under control is extremely important. Know you...

Stress can trigger psychosis and make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, so keeping it under control is extremely important. Know your limits, both at home and at work or school. Don’t take on more than you can handle and take time to yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Try to get plenty of sleep

When you’re on medication, you most likely need even more sleep than the standard 8 hours. Many people with schizophrenia have troubl...

When you’re on medication, you most likely need even more sleep than the standard 8 hours. Many people with schizophrenia have trouble with sleep, but lifestyle changes (such as getting regular exercise and avoiding caffeine) can help.

Don’t buy into the stigma of schizophrenia

Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth...

Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth that you can’t get better. Associate with people who see beyond your diagnosis, to the person you really are.

Communicate with your doctor

Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figu...

Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figure out the dosage and drug that’s right for you. Be honest and upfront about side effects, concerns, and other treatment issues.

Getting better over time

Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become...

Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, there is always hope.

About hospitalizations

Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticki...

Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticking to it, you are much less likely to experience a crisis situation that requires hospitalization to keep you safe.

Find ways to stay involved with others

If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, con...

If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, consider joining a schizophrenia support group or getting involved with a local club, or other organization.

Take advantage of support services in your area

Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area, contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & Re...

Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area, contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & References section below for links to support services in your country.

Side effects of medication. Talk to your doctor

Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable mo...

Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable movements, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Your quality of life is important, so talk to your doctor if you or your family member is bothered by side effects. Lowering your dose or switching medications may help.